Seashell Scavenger Hunt on Topsail Island

Posted On Sunday, September 16, 2018

For those of you who love the beach few things are as relaxing and fun as long walks in the sand picking up seashells. Except for maybe one thing, and that is doing it with the kids. This week we learn all about the seashell of Topsail Island and how to put together a fun scavenger hunt for the whole family.

What to bring

The only thing you must have is the spirit of adventure and a desire to have a great day with the family. However, there are a few essential items that will make the day on the beach searching for seashells a bit easier.

Bringing a shovel and bucket is essential. But don't spend a lot on these, an inexpensive plastic set is perfect for the kids and adults alike. A shovel can help dig under the sand to find some different shells

A bucket will help you carry all your finds home with you. Some shellers even suggest bringing a net for snatching a shell that may be caught up in the waves. Nets are also helpful as they allow you to rinse the shells off in the surf.

And, of course, bring your friends and family. Two sets of eyes are better than one. Bringing a group can ensure that you find lots of different shells and it is always great to have company on Topsail Island. Make it a friends and family event!

What to look for

Now that you know what to look for you need to know where to look for the best shells. Sure you can just walk up and down the beach, but there are a few secrets to finding great seashells that will make your day of shell hunting all the more productive and fun.

Olive Shells-These small gems feature long conical tubes. If you look closely at these long conical shells you'll find dark purple or pink shades. Olive shells will often have unique geometric patterns or designs.

The Scotch Bonnet- Featuring a distinctive white color with brown specks this beautiful little fat shell is best known as the official shell of the State of North Carolina. Despite its big status, it is actually a very rare shell. This shell is only about 2 inches in length so their size makes them even harder to find.

Queen Helmet Conch- This is what most people think of when they think of a Conch. It has a distinctive large fat conical shape. The Conch can be up to 12" long and heavy. Look for the pinkish-red lips on the opening.

Whelks- People often confuse Conch and Whelks but they're actually different shells. Whelks will have a conical shape with a wide opening. On the top of the shell, you'll find wide spirals. These shells are very common along the North Carolina coast. There are three varieties of Whelks.The largest of the three is the Lightning Whelk which can be 15" or larger. The Channeled Whelk has distinctive deep spirals. The Knobbed Whelk looks like the Lightning Whelk with an opening on the opposite side (right side).

Where to look

Now that you know what to look for you need to know where to look for the best shells. Sure you can just walk up and down the beach, but there are a few secrets to finding great seashells that will make your day of shell hunting all the more productive and fun.

Seaweed and Seagrass- A lot of people avoid those piles of seaweed and seagrass that wash up on shore. This is a big mistake as they are often hiding secret treasures.

Low tides- The best time to search for sea glass and shells is at low tide. With more of the beach exposed and the strong tidal action, you have a better chance of finding the shells you want.

The night is your friend- Make sure to hit the beach at night especially if there is a strong low tide. Look for full moons especially. With fewer folks on the beach and strong tides, it is the perfect time to look for treasures.

Piers- Don't overlook the piers. The pilings create constantly changing sands which are ideal for the beachcomber who is looking for an easy and convenient location to hunt for shells. Looking for shells along the piers will require a bit more digging and patience as they are popular places, but perfect for those with kids.

With fall here and the temperatures cooling off and the summer crowds are gone. Now is the perfect time to book a fall beach vacation on Topsail Island. Give us a call today to begin planning your beach vacation. Our friendly reservationists are here to assist you with finding the perfect vacation home. Of course, you can also click the button below to see all of our current inventory.

Make a scavenger hunt

Making a scavenger hunt is as easy as ever. Cell phones allow you to simply screenshot images of the different shells. Each parent can take a little one along if they are too young for a cell phone. Older kids will love mom and dad allowing them to use their beloved technology to have a little family time. You don't have to limit yourself to shells. You don't have to limit yourself to shells. You can add other sea creatures or other beach items. Click on the printable scavenger hunt and let the fun begin.

With fall here and the temperatures cooling off and the summer crowds gone, now is the perfect time to book a fall beach vacation on Topsail Island. Give us a call today to begin planning your beach vacation. Give us a call today at 800-497-5463 or click on the button below to see our entire inventory of vacation homes.

What's your favorite seashell? Leave a comment below and let us know in the comments below.